Wonder Company Restaurant: the new project dedicated to employees and collaborators.

A MODERN AND INFORMAL ENVIRONMENT, FOOD PREPARED WITH SEASONAL PRODUCTS, AND A DINING ROOM WITH SEATING FOR MORE THAN 60, SURROUNDED BY MARBLE, DESIGNER DECOR, AND FLORAL DECORATIONS.

Much more than a place to eat, much more than an employee dining hall. That which was inaugurated this past October in the historic Cremona headquarters is a true restaurant. A ‘company’ restaurant.

Built within the new production area – a large Class A structure that houses, among other things, the new automated lines – the Company Restaurant aims to improve well-being and working conditions in the company.

“When we decided to construct the new building,” says Matteo Gosi, Managing Director, “we immediately thought of designing something like this. The space which until recently was used for lunch and dinner breaks, was no longer big enough for 140 employees, even considering the shifts. We needed a suitable space, not just bigger, but also more modern and, above all, designed to make people’s time at work as enjoyable as possible. That’s what gave us the idea to create a restaurant.”

A Dedicated Space

The new Company Restaurant is already fully up and running, with a capacity for more than 140 covers per day and with a menu based on seasonal specialities. “Those who eat here,” explains Gosi, “are able to choose from between 5 pasta dishes and 4 main dishes and side dishes, all prepared that day and with a menu that always offers an alternative for those who suffer from food intolerances or those who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet.”

The design did not only focus on the food. “We call it ‘Restaurant’,” specifies the GD, “because it is, for all intents and purposes, a restaurant, even though it only serves those who work for the company. We wanted to create a welcoming, spacious, and well-lit environment. The large windows overlook the woods that separate us from the fields, our small private green area. We envisioned a place in which people could feel good; an enjoyable space, equipped with every comfort, also in terms of acoustics.”

Design and Sustainability

For the interior design they decided to hire designer Emanuela Rossi, whose job was to transform a corner of the company into an elegant, yet informal environment. “We want people to take a mental break from work,” said the designer, “as though they’ve physically exited the premises to go sit down at a restaurant. Details like the Emperador marble elements, the floral wallpaper, the colours, and the lighting were specifically chosen to go in this direction.”

Choices which exalt the design and the sophisticated aesthetic taste, but which also demonstrate an enormous attention to sustainability. “We tried to create a ‘green’ restaurant,” adds Wonder’s CEO, “by choosing energy efficient appliances and eliminating all disposable plastics in favour of glasses and silverware. Naturally we also focused on safety when we did this, installing an efficient and cutting edge sanitisation system for the tableware. Furthermore, the reservation system ensures that the kitchen only prepares that which is needed, thus avoiding useless food waste and making sure that there are never any lines or crowds.”

Higher Quality for Personal Well-Being

The new Company Restaurant is part of the WHP (Workplace Health Promotion) project, a broad investment plan aimed at promoting health and well-being in the workplace through various initiatives, including the improvement of company spaces and their liveability. “At Wonder we’re like a big family,” concludes Matteo Gosi, “and a family needs spaces and occasions to socialise and spend time together. The key is to work on the quality of this time. Whether it’s lunch, dinner, or a coffee break, it will be nice to get used to seeing each other here every day, enjoying this shared moment together.”